2027 US (AZ): Drone & Photogrammetry Training for Archaeologists

Location: 6R7X+WJ Williams, AZ, USA

Season: May 23, 2027 to June 5, 2027

Application Deadline: April 16, 2027

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2027-usaz-drone-photogrammetry/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Northern Arizona University & Anthropocene Research Center

Project Director:
Dr. Kayeleigh Sharp, Northern Arizona University

Project Description:

Drones are an essential tool in today’s archaeological practice, both in academic research and professional archaeology (e.g., Cultural Resource Management or CRM, heritage studies or site damage mitigation). Drones save time and money on archaeological surveys, and they also provide excellent high-resolution spatial information for site detection, monitoring and regional landscape studies. Flying a drone is simple when you know how to do it. In fact, you can learn how to do that in just a few hours. The challenging part is mastering flight maneuvers for managing archaeological surveys, site and environmental monitoring and how to handle emergencies in the air.

During the first week, you will gain hands-on experience, learn about drone safety and practice advanced flight maneuvers. You will also learn how to collect accurate and relevant data for a variety of practical applications in archaeology, from photogrammetric modeling of archaeological sites to damage mitigation recording. You will also gain clear understanding of the advantages and limitations of different types of drones and sensors and when they are most applicable.

Through daily lectures and hands-on activities, you will develop and apply skills to become a certified Part 107 drone pilot. During the program, you will be introduced to at least three types of drones and their appropriate deployment (recreational drones, mid-sized quad and or hexacopters, Blue Drones, etc.). You will also learn how to use different types of sensors, when and why to use them (RGB, multispectral, GPR, etc).

During the second week, using industry-standard and open-source software, GIS platforms, and analytical tools, you will learn photogrammetric principles, how to create 3D terrain models, the fundamentals of image selection and quality control, the basics of geospatial visualization, and how to create professional-quality deliverables based on data you collect in the field. All of these skills are essential for both CRM compliance and archaeological academic research.

Upon completion, you have the training to successfully complete FAA Part 107 certification exam. You will also have the tools to conduct safe and responsible sUAV fieldwork as a researcher or Cultural Resource Management professional. While this program is designed for archaeologists, professionals conducting paleontological, geological and other landscape surveys may benefit from participating.

Period(s) of Occupation: Pre contact & Contact periods

Notes:
Tuition is $2,933; Earn 4 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 6 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: None. This is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research under the direction of a range of specialists in the field. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors in physically demanding environments, and students must plan ahead for both cold and hot weather conditions. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and an adequate understanding that fieldwork requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind and perhaps even snowy conditions. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program provides full Room & Board at the Hat Ranch, a research station owned by Northern Arizona University

Academic Credit:
4 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 6 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College